All about Tuscaloosa and Alabama

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August 25, 2012
: Updated: August 25, 2012 9:10pm

Racks of ribs are positioned in the pit at Dreamland Bar-B-Que, by Pit Master Shon Robinson. Dreamland is a favorite eatery in Tuscaloosa. The Aggies, new to the Southeastern Conference, will travel to Auburn, Alabama, Mississippi State and Ole Miss this year. Monday, July 23, 2012.

Photo By Express-News

Tuscaloosa, Alabama map

Photo By BOB OWEN/Express-News

Alabama decals in the gift shop at the Bryant Museum on Alabama's campus in Tuscaloosa. The Aggies, new to the Southeastern Conference, will travel to Auburn, Alabama, Mississippi State and Ole Miss this year. Monday, July 23, 2012.

Photo By BOB OWEN/Express-News

Alabama Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant's grave is adorned with a flag, an elephant, and an Alabama emblem. He is burried in Birmingham in the Elmwood Cemetery and Mausoleum. The Texas A&M Aggies, new to the Southeastern Conference, will travel to Auburn, Alabama, Mississippi State and Ole Miss this year. Monday, July 23, 2012.

Photo By BOB OWEN/San Antonio Express-News

The football from Alabama's first victory over Auburn played in 1894. This, and other historical Alabama football items, are in the Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa. The Texas A&M Aggies, new to the Southeastern Conference, will travel to Auburn, Alabama, Mississippi State and Ole Miss for games this year. Monday, July 23, 2012.

Best way to drive from S.A.: I-10 East to I-12 in Baton Rouge; I-12 East to I-59 North in Slidell; I-59 North to I-20 East in Meridian; I-20 East to Tuscaloosa (810 miles).

Best way to fly from S.A.: San Antonio International to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International, rental car to Tuscaloosa (60 miles).

A&M connection

Bear Bryant coached at A&M before Alabama. Dennis Franchione coached at Alabama before A&M. The Crimson Tide got the better end of the deal, considering Bryant won six national titles in Tuscaloosa, while Franchione finished 32-28 over five seasons in College Station.

A&M football record: Alabama leads 3-1. The most historic meeting between the two occurred in the Cotton Bowl following the 1967 season, when Gene Stallings' Aggies defeated Bear Bryant's Crimson Tide 20-16. Stallings, a Bryant disciple and a famed “Junction Boy,” would later coach the Crimson Tide to a national title.

Traditions

Best: Any performance by the Million Dollar Band, a century-old ensemble featuring about 400 members.

Quirkiest: Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer, Alabama's victory cheer that includes the taunt, “We just beat the hell outta you!” Some folks didn't care for the use of the word “hell” in the chant, in addition to its snide theme. But in a vote in the fall of 2005, 98 percent of students voted to keep the spirited cheer.

Around Tuscaloosa

Top spots: Dreamland Bar-B-Que, Nick's in the Sticks, Harry's Bar, Houndstooth Sports Bar. Dreamland cranked up in Tuscaloosa around the time Bryant showed up from A&M, and has been going strong since. Locals strongly recommend the hickory-smoked ribs.

Historical nugget: Union troops burned down much of the campus near the end of the Civil War. Only seven buildings survived, including the President's Mansion. The university, which had opened in 1831, closed for six years following the fires.

Tailgating scene: The Quad is the place to be on Saturday, and best to stake your spot on Friday.

Non-football reason to visit: A cruise on the Bama Belle Riverboat on the Black Warrior River. Tuscaloosa also features a peaceful Riverwalk on the Black Warrior.